What if the kids in your church could participate in a missions experience that set them up for a lifetime of missions involvement? That’s exactly what Marysville Grace Church in Ohio did at their Vacation Bible School this year. 

Every summer during their VBS, kids and families are invited to give towards a specific project, and this year they gave to Encompass’s ministry partners in Cambodia. Our partners there offer college students affordable housing and discipleship. They say, “Each student who comes to live with us brings a unique story…a background of struggle, hope, and the deep longing for something more. But through the love, discipleship, and truth of God’s Word, many have found not only a home, but a new life in Jesus Christ.” Recently , the ministry baptized eight new believers! 

Once a week, our Cambodian partners also visit nearby villages and an elementary school where they teach students about Jesus. This outreach is specifically what the VBS at Marysville Grace gave toward…and they raised $2,800! 

We think that the way Marysville Grace involved their children’s ministry in missions was a brilliant move for several reasons: 

1. It gave kids valuable missions exposure: It got their kids involved in missions at an early age, instilling in them a value for the Great Commission.
2. It “showed” rather than “taught”: This opportunity didn’t just teach kids about missions, but it showed them by allowing them to participate in missions themselves.
3. They chose a kid-centric project: By choosing a project that impacted Cambodian kids, Marysville Grace found an opportunity their own kids could relate to. 

While VBS months are typically seasonal, anytime is a great time to give your church’s children’s ministry some valuable exposure to missions! To find a giving opportunity for your own church’s children’s ministry, contact Dave Guiles.